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November 28, 2008

City to light the 100-foot Christmas Tree Dec. 4

The 100-foot Christmas Tree is up at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave.

Can you believe the 100-foot Christmas Tree is already up? Well, it is, and the grand opening is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, with the tree lighting as soon as it gets dark, and a special Art & Jazz on the Avenue celebration in downtown Delray Beach until 10 p.m.
“This is the 15th year Delray Beach has put up the 100-foot Christmas Tree,” Leah Knepper, public relations manager with the downtown Delray Beach Marketing Cooperative, said.
“Santa will arrive on a fire truck at 5:30 p.m., followed by the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the tree for a child up to age 16. All toys will be donated to Sunny 104.3 FM’s Sunny Santa’s and Delray Citizens for Delray Police.”
A gallery stroll will take place downtown and five musical performances will take place on closed off Atlantic Avenue east of Swinton Avenue.
“The entertainment highlights will include Hook, Jazz Stream, Jazz Survivors, Ron Bivona and Southern Dance Theatre, in addition to the Tina Lilly Carolers. Take the opportunity to start your holiday shopping, many downtown shoppes and galleries will be offering one-night-only promotions,” Knepper said.
First Night® 2009 buttons will also go on sale that night. First Night is New Year’s Eve, and buttons are $10 in advance and $15 on Dec. 31. All proceeds from First Night button sales support First Night artists and programs. Buttons will be on sale at the following downtown locations: 100-Foot Christmas Tree, Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, Delray Beach City Hall, Delray Beach Public Library, Delray News and Tobacco, and Old School Square’s Crest Theatre.
The Downtown Roundabout free shuttle bus will run until 11 p.m. For more information on Delray Beach’s holiday festivities, call 561-279-1380, ext. 3 or visit www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com.


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November 26, 2008

Harpist plays for Cookbook Cafe patrons

Mia Margaret recently serenaded customers of the Cookbook Cafe, 100 W. Atlantic Ave. with music from her harp.
Mia Margaret started playing the harp more than 10 years ago. Now she has 14 self-produced CDs and a gig everywhere she goes.
“I played in front of people the very day I picked up this instrument,” she said.“One of my missions in life is to use creativity to inspire people. “This is stress-free, soothing, up-lifting music. When people hear it they smile.”

To listen to Mia Margaret’s music visit: www.cdbaby.com/all/miaangelica

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November 25, 2008

Hadassah chapter's book sale raises money for Israeli children

Stanley Kramer of Delray Beach looks through the titles of more than 900 books on sale at the Publix at Shops of San Marco, 13860 S. Jog Road, in Delray Beach. The recycled books are on sale to help raise money for the Hadassah supported Youth Aliyah/Children at Risk helping Israel's disadvantaged children.

Volunteers from L’or Vizcaya Hadassah are selling books from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 25 and 26.
“The money raised is being sent to Israel to help children in distress,” L’or Vizcaya Hadassah President Helene Mendelson said.
Mendelson said the goal was to raise $500.
“We’ve already raised $1,250,” she said.
Paperback books are 50 cents, and hardbound books are $1.
For more information call Millie Grant at 561-495-6005.

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City to charge $5 parking garage fee during holiday events

A $5 parking will be charged at three citywide parking garages including the Old School Square Parking Garage, 51 N. Swinton Ave. The $5 rates will be charged only during five nights of planned holiday activity.
The city has decided to charge $5 to park at three downtown parking garages during special holiday events. During the Dec. 4, 100-foot Christmas Tree Lighting and Art & Jazz on the Avenue the $5 rate will go in effect from 4 to 8 p.m. On Dec. 13, the Delray Beach Parks & Recreation Department will have its holiday parade and parking fees will also be in effect from 4 to 8 p.m. Also during the the Howard Alan Downtown Delray Beach New Year's Weekend Craft Festival taking place Dec. 27 and 28, parking fees will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The last time parking fees will be collected at city garages this year will be during “First Night” on Dec. 31 from 3 p.m. to midnight.
The three parking garage locations are: the Robert Federspiel Parking Garage, at 22 SE First Ave.; South County Courthouse Parking Garage, 65 SW Second Ave. and Old School Square Parking Garage, 95 NE First Ave., which may be accessed by traveling westbound on Northeast First Street or southbound on Northeast First Avenue.
Parking attendants can accept cash only and will monitor the garages until the posted closing times.

For more information on event parking, call 561-243-7190 or 561-243-7196.

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November 24, 2008

SAFE to present newsletter on pedestrian safety

Safety As Floridians Expect (SAFE), a local watchdog group with concerns about pedestrian safety, will be presenting its newsletter, "Full Consideration," a response to the Florida Department of Transportation’s revision to "Pedestrian, Bicycle and Public Transit Facilities" of the Plan Preparation Manual at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25 at the Mae Volen Senior Center, 1555 W. Palmetto Park Road.
“The FDOT has done a very good job in preparing the draft, which is still a work in progress, but SAFE concluded that what was really needed was a change to the Florida statute,” said SAFE Chairman Jim Smith.

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November 21, 2008

Delray man makes customized canes

Anne Pokras and husband Jerry Pokras have teamed up to make hand-carved custom wooden canes. The two began making canes after Jerry Pokras developed a leg issue a year ago.
Instead of grimacing when a doctor told him he had to use a cane due to an unoperable issue with his left leg, Jerry Pokras used the dilemma to create something useful with his hands.
“I made myself a customized wooden cane and carved a horse’s head out of its handle,” he said.
His wife hand painted the animal's face on the cane handle, and Pokras hit the streets of Delray Beach eager to finish chores, and “do just about whatever I pleased.” Neighbors began to take notice and asked if he would make them a customized cane. He measured their height, and exactly the perfect, most comfortable spot for their hand to rest. Pokras produced hippos, bald eagles “and graceful dogs like Dobermans.”
Pokras, a snowbird from Toms River, N. J., made the canes in his wood working workshop and has even set up a shop at his Delray Beach home.
“We want to move down here full-time and I’ll build a workshop where I’ll make even more canes,” Pokras said.
Anne Pokras hand paints each one and has even set up a site on the Internet where people can inquire about the canes. His canes are made out of oak, birch and fir woods.
“They even have silver reflectors so the canes can be used at night,” Anne Pokras said.
For more information about the canes call 561-381-4078 or visit http://canemaker.blogspot.com.

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Residents' nutcracker display on loan at the library

400 nutcrackers collected over the past 20 years have made their way around the Delray Beach Public Library as part of a display loaned by Delray Beach residents Phil Friedman and Emmanuel Bulaclac.
“They’re normally on display at home, but we wanted a way to give back to a library that has given us so much,” Friedman said. “This is payback! We use the library a lot and we’re very happy to be residents of Delray Beach.”
The nutcrackers come in all shapes and sizes. There’s Santa Claus, a snowman and Rudolph, but the collection also contains a well-painted Teddy Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln and four members of the “Wizard of Oz.”
“Haven’t found an Obama one yet,” Friedman said. “We find these nutcrackers in flea markets, consignment shops, house sales, and when we travel throughout the U.S. Most of the nutcrackers come from the U.S. or Germany.”
The nutcrackers are on display behind the circulation desk in the children’s library section and in glass display cases facing Atlantic Avenue.
For more information on the nutcrackers exhibit call the Delray Beach Public Library at 561- 266-0194

Emmanuel Bulacclac (left) and Phil Friedman have donated a 400-plus collection of nutcrackers to the Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave., for display until after the new year.


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November 20, 2008

Marlins pitcher become principal for a day

Florida Marlins relief pitcher Joe Nelson (left, light blue shirt) shows with a mini-football how to throw his popular "Vulcan Change-up," a pitches he uses to strike out Major League Baseball hitters. American Heritage School Baseball Coach Carm Mazza looks on as the students study Nelson's wide grip, needed in order to throw the pitch.

Florida Marlins relief pitcher Joe Nelson didn’t hesitate when asked to be “Principal for a Day” at American Heritage School. As he spoke to 50 middle and high school baseball players at the Delray Beach school, Nelson, 34, had a flashback.
“I remember sitting in those bleachers growing up in Oklahoma,” he said.
“Meeting Gary Ward, the Oklahoma State University baseball coach, was an experience that I’ll never forget. Something about hearing from a guy I grew up watching on ESPN, it made what he had to say hit home. We talked face to face and I’ll never forget that,” Nelson said.
For more than an hour he talked to the American Heritage School baseball players about the importance of a college education, “ups and downs in life” and told them about the dangers of steroids he saw growing up, and maturing into a professional baseball player.
Nelson, a Palm Beach Gardens resident, also read “H is for Home Run - A Baseball Alphabet Book” to the younger students at American Heritage School.
“I brought my favorite book to read to the younger students,” he said.
“Principal for a Day” is part of the city of Delray Beach Education Board yearly initiatives.
Janet Meeks, the city's education coordinator, said this year every school in the city had a community leader serve as “Principal for a Day.”
“All the schools public and private schools in the city participated,” Meeks said.


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November 19, 2008

Library meeting to feature Sun-Sentinel sports columnist

For 95 years, dating back to 1913, The Delray Beach Public Library Association has been in the business of information. At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17 the Delray Beach Public Library at 100 W. Atlantic Ave. will hold its 69th annual Library Association Meeting. All Library Association members and guests are invited to attend.
The meeting will kick-off with a business meeting conducted by Library Board President Dan Murtaugh, who will also discuss the “State of the Library” immediately followed by the Treasurers’ Report. A re-election of board members, nomination of new board members, a vote, and Library Director Alan Kornblau’s “Librarian’s Report” will also take place. Kornblau also plans to speak on plans for the Laugh With the Library, Chapter 3 Comedy Night fundraiser to celebrate the library’s third anniversary in its new location that will take place on Friday, Jan. 23 at the Delray Beach Marriott at 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature comedian Dom Irrera, co-chairpersons Heidi Sargeant and Becky Walsh, and Library Board members as they open up to residents at the casual event.
Finally, what would be a library meeting without the sports guy?
The guest speaker for the 69th annual Library Association Meeting will be Dave Hyde, Sun-Sentinel sports columnist and renowned author. Refreshments will be served at the free event.


For further information and to receive an invitation call the library at 561-266-0799.

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City offers swimming lessons for all ages

The city of Delray Beach is offering swimming lessons to all older than 5 at two locations. Starting on Dec. 9, the Delray Beach Parks & Recreation Department will be teaching individual instructional swim lessons affiliated with the American Red Cross.

“All swim instructors are American Red Cross certified to provide students with quality instructional swim lessons. Participants will learn how to swim in a one-on-one instructional setting with positive reinforcement. This will allow the instructor to encourage students while supporting them on swim skills such as back float, front crawl, back crawl, reaching for a submerged object and establishing a breathing pattern. As the student progresses they will learn skills that will last a life time,” Aquatics Operations Supervisor Nina Salomon said.

Pompey Park Pool, 1101 NW Second St. and Delray Swim & Tennis Club, 2350 Jaeger Drive offer classes to everyone starting at age 5. Sessions run in December, January and February. The swim lesson fee for each student is $40 for four, 20-minute classes.

For more information about the above classes, call Nina Salomon at 561-243-7358.

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Obama supporters are 'fired up and ready to go' after victory

Delray Beach based artist Sharon Koskoff wants to “keep up the momentum” from President-Elect Barack Obama’s win.

“I’m organizing a "Fired Up and Ready to Go" gathering this Thursday for everyone in the area to keep up the momentum from Obama's victory. Will you join us?” Koskoff said.

The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20 at a private residence in Delray Beach.

“There are over 1,300 of these events happening all around the country on Thursday. The plan is to kick off a big campaign to help Obama pass the bold, progressive changes he talked about during the campaign. There'll also be some time to celebrate the big win with other Obama supporters in the neighborhood.”
The event is free and open to everyone.

“This is put on by www.moveon.org and last time we did this, before the election… 65 people showed up,” Koskoff said.

To RSVP go to the link: http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=86205&id=15131-9097839-cA.yhmx&t=1

For more information call Sharon Koskoff at 561-276-9925 or 561-699-7899.

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November 18, 2008

Students selected to visit Japan

The Delray Beach Sister Cities Student Exchange Program will be sending qualified students to Miyazu, Japan in June. Students in the program have been in training sessions for two years before their trip. Tony Durante, the director of discipleship at Trinity Lutheran Church & School in Delray Beach,
will once again travel to Japan with the students.
The students selected are Chelsea Brandt of Boynton Beach who attends American Heritage School; Sofia Ellingsworth of Delray Beach who attends Boca Raton High School; and Atlantic Community High School students: Matthew Feldman of Wellington; Matthew Kondziela of Boynton Beach; Jacqueline Lowell of Delray Beach; Danielle Trubow of Boca Raton and Bobby Weil of Boynton Beach.
Durante has taught regular weekly sessions and workshops with emphasis on Japanese culture, language, protocol, as well as sessions about city government.
He is also a native of Delray Beach who spent two years living and teaching in Japan as a Christian missionary. Durante speaks fluent Japanese.

For more information about the Student Exchange program call Tony Durante at 561-278-1737 or e-mail Tony Durante at tdurante@trinitydelray.org

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BankAtlantic reopens in West Delray

West Delray Beach celebrates the reopening of BankAtlantic, 6473 W. Atlantic Ave. Left to Right - Back Row, Filiberto Valero, Patrick Southworth, Lloyd DeVaux, Mackenson Bernard, Ken Binger. Left to Right - Front Row, Libbie DeLosh, Soraya Espinel, Sheryl Bilus, Robert Schulbaum, Burt Aaronson.

BankAtlantic, at the northeast corner of Atlantic Avenue and Jog Road has reopened after renovations in West Delray. The branch has “all the new customer friendly and convenient elements that are now featured in newly built branches” said spokeswoman Michelle Catin.

The reopening was celebrated by guests, including Delray Beach City Commissioner Mackenson Bernard; Alliance of Delray Residential Associations President Robert Schulbaum; and Palm Beach County Commissioner Burt Aronson, who is a Delray Beach resident.


The new branch will be open seven days a week.

For more information contact 888-7-329-2265 or visit www.BankAtlantic.com.


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November 17, 2008

Light up your home for annual holiday contest

The annual “Lite Up Delray” Holiday Decorating Contest is celebrating its 14th year.

“Last year we gave out 600 awards,” said organizer Carolyn Zimmerman.

“We cover the whole city by dividing it into eight parts. Three volunteer judges walk each neighborhood.”

Zimmerman and a team of volunteers will scour the city of Delray Beach for the best homeowners, condominium owners and business decorations and lighting displays.

Judges will hit the streets the evening hours of Dec. 8 in a pursuit of the season's best ornament and lighting displays. Streets and entrances are included in the contest. Awards will be given for various categories.

“The contest divides the city into eight sections and a grand winner is chosen from each. All judges are residents of Delray Beach. Winners are announced after Dec. 17, and a list of winners will be available at City Hall, Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, the 100-foot Christmas Tree and Old School Square,” Zimmerman said.

For more information on volunteering to judge call Carolyn Zimmerman at 561-276-1715.

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Volunteer to help with annual Thanksgiving dinner

Looking for a way to help out during Thanksgiving?

The Keith Straghn Memorial Foundation Inc. will be preparing a holiday meal to be served on Nov. 27 at Pompey Park Recreation Center, 1101 NW Second St. between the 11 a.m - 2 p.m.

In 1981 the Keith Straghn Memorial Foundation Thanksgiving Day Dinner began when Keith Straghn and Ann Stacey Wright took their family's Thanksgiving dinner and fed those less fortunate. That single act of generosity has continued through the years and grown to include corporate sponsors and more than 200 volunteers.
Even those unable to attend will can enjoy traditional turkey with all the trimmings. Volunteers deliver Thanksgiving baskets and meals to registered residents in the city and surrounding areas.

But, volunteers and drivers are desperately needed for meal preparation, serving and delivery. Canned and non-perishable goods are needed and can be dropped off at Pompey Park Recreation Center. To be placed on the volunteer list, call 561-243-7356.
For additional information on the Keith Straghn Thanksgiving Day Dinner, call Ann Stacey Wright at 561-305-1744.

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November 14, 2008

Baroque Era concert to take place Sunday

Want to experience Baroque Era music? If so, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 188 S. Swinton Ave. is hosting an afternoon of “Music at St. Paul’s Viva Vivaldi!” on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 3 p.m.

The event will demonstrate the emotional range of one of the baroque era's most beloved composers in vocal and instrumental music on instruments authentic to the period.

For tickets, call 561-278-6003. Tickets for adults are $15. Student tickets are $5. And preferred seating is $18. Doors open 30 minutes before the concert.

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Mangrove Park opens two new boat ramps for public use

Two new boat ramp slips at newly opened Mangrove Park will help alleviate busy Knowles Park, just north of Mangrove Park on South Federal Highway.

The city of Delray Beach announced today that Mangrove Park, 1211 S. Federal Highway is now open to the public.

“It’s now open for public use… We want to get the word out to the public so they can use this gem,” said Alberta Gaum-Rickard, city of Delray Beach Parks & Recreation project coordinator.

Mangrove Park, the newest park constructed in Delary Beach, also has staging docks, boat trailer, regular and handicapped parking spaces, benches, a bicycle rack, information stands and restrooms.

“A large area of the rectangular 4.46-acre park contains sea grass beds and mangrove forest, which will remain undisturbed as native wildlife habitat," Gaum-Rickard said. "Manatees, sea turtles and small tooth sawfish will be protected through the preservation of this valuable ecosystem."

Costs for the park project topped just over $2.6 million. According to Gaum-Rickard, the Palm Beach County Commission and the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) continue to show their support for the city of Delray Beach through grant funding. Palm Beach County awarded $1 million in grant money for the project, contingent upon a $1 million city funding match, and FIND presented a check to the city in the amount of $688,420. FIND will also lease this parcel of land to the city for the purpose and use as a public park.

For more information on Mangrove Park, call Gaum-Rickard at 561-243-7136.


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AT&T to distribute phone cards, cell phones to troops

Have an old wireless phone that needs to be recycled? Want to use that phone or a monetary donation to purchase phone cards for the troops serving the U.S. worldwide?

The AT&T Care to Connect Giving Program is focused on helping loved ones stay connected with troops and vice versa.

All AT&T retail locations nationwide will sell $1, $5 and $10 prepaid phone cards for military members.

“AT&T will match the total dollars collected by the program through Dec. 21, 2008, doubling the amount of phone cards issued to the troops via customer giving alone,” said Kelly Layne Starling, AT&T public relations manager for South and West Florida.

The phone cards contributed through the program will be distributed to troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and other overseas regions between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.

“In the last two years, AT&T has donated [more than] $4 million in prepaid phone cards,” Starling said.

At more than 2,000 company stores across the nation, recycling drop-off spots will be set up for the Cell Phones for Soldiers (CPFS) charity.

“CPFS recycles wireless phones and uses the proceeds to buy phone cards for the troops,” Starling said.

According to Starling, holiday shoppers can recycle wireless phones they are replacing at any AT&T store or via free shipping labels from www.att.com/holidayconnect.

For more information, call Starling at 561-775-4259 or e-mail kelly.starling@att.com.

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November 13, 2008

Park exhibit to support Art Education Fund

Artists in the Park plans return to Veterans Park.

The Delray Art League will open its 42nd season Nov. 22-23 with Artists in the Park, a showcase of local artists' work with watercolors, oil, acrylic, photography, sculpture and mixed media, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Veterans Park, 802 NE First St.
Admission is free, and a portion of each artwork sold will be donated to the Art Education Fund.

Art Education Chair Karen O’Neill said the Delray Art League Art Education Fund awards scholarships to local art students, sponsors local art programs, and provides art supplies to various organizations.

“We recently donated $13,400 to four very deserving organizations,” O’Neill said.

That money included $4,200 to the FAU Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters for scholarships to FAU art students from South Florida, $4000 to the Milagro Center for its STARS (Standing Together Achieving Recognition and Success) program promoting after-school cultural arts, $5,000 to children who can’t afford art classes at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. (last year, 65 students were able to attend) and $200 for awards for the Delray Beach Sister Cities' “Young Artists Competition.”

The Delray Art League is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization made up of 250 artists.

For more information call Gay Williamson, Delray Art League, at 561-732-4945.

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Chorale to perform holiday music

The Delray Beach Chorale, a 65-member chorus celebrating its 27th year, will present "Sounds of the Season," holiday music of the British Isles, featuring Benjamin Britten's "Ceremony of Carols" and John Rutter's "Gloria” at 3 p.m. Dec. 6 at the First Presbyterian Church, 33 Gleason St., in downtown Delray Beach.

Led by new Chorale Director Eric J. Keiper, the chorus will perform with the Delray Festival Orchestra and harpist Kay Kemper. Kemper has played with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops, the Milwaukee Symphony, the Atlanta Symphony, and the Orquesta Filarmonica de Caracas in Venezuela. She also performs on a regular basis with the Palm Beach Opera Orchestra, Palm Beach Symphony and the Palm Beach Pops and teaches locally at her private studio.

Keiper said he's looking forward to “engaging the Chorale in diverse and eclectic music this season.”

"I want us to excite the audience so much that they will want to jump out of their seats,” he said.

He’s especially excited about performing Britten's work.

“The music has emotion and movement," Keiper said. "The section called ‘There is no Rose’ has four chords, which sound like the rocking of the ship Britten was on when he wrote this section of the music."

Tickets to the show are $20 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets will also be available at the door.

For more information call 800 984-SATB (7282) or go to www.delraybeachchorale.org.

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November 12, 2008

Delray bus tours set to resume

The Narrated Bus Tours of Historic Delray Beach will resume for the season at 11 a.m. Nov. 22. A new boarding and parking location for the tours has been established at the Downtown Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave.

Tour guide Lori Durante narrates the history of the city of Delray Beach from an air-conditioned bus. At some of the sites, the bus stops so patrons can explore.

“The tours are a one-hour, 45-minute excursion that also includes history information about the Seminole Native American, African-American, Bahamian, German and other white European settlers to Delray Beach, Fla. All tours also journey through about five historic districts and areas such as Banker’s Row and Frog Alley. There are now a total of 10 historic sites that are alternately visited on a rotating schedule as a part of the bus tour experience,” Durante said.

For more information on the Narrated Bus Tours, call Lori Durante at 561-243-2662 or by e-mail: Tour@DelrayBeachBusTours.org or visit: www.DelrayBeachBusTours.org.

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Code Enforcement Board gives Boys Market 90 days

The Boys Market Inc. has been given 90 days to comply with the city of Delray Beach Code Enforcement Board on five violations.

The city of Delray Beach Code Enforcement Board will give Boys Market Inc., 14378 Military Trail, 90 days to comply with five out of six violations. The board ruled, 4-1, in favor of a motion to give Boys Market Inc. a chance to produce a site plan that will gain approval from city staff, and a chance to comply with three building and zoning and two building permit violations.

If Boys Market Inc. doesn't comply within 90 days, it will likely face fines. Code Enforcement Officer Darcy Tyson said she is seeking a fine of $250 a day.

“Let’s add a higher fine and maybe things will get done," Tyson said. "Without a high fine, I don’t see them complying.

"The majority of these cases date back to 2004 and were found guilty, but the registered name has changed so we have to start over again. The city is asking for 90 days for site plan approval, which has been submitted today.”

Board member Kelli Freeman voted against the motion, saying Boys Market Inc. should start paying fines today. “This seems backwards to me,” Freeman said during the midday meeting.

Beril Krueger, who was a member of the Code Enforcement Board when Boys Market Inc. first came before the board with six violations, now works as a consultant for the defendant.

“This property was zoned agricultural," Krueger told board members. "If it’s agricultural and no one lives in the building, you don’t need a permit. Then, it was city annexed and zoned commercial and now everything needs a permit.”

For more information on the city of Delray Beach Code Enforcement Board, call staff contact Danise Cleckley at 561-243-7213.

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Aspiring artists blossom at Talin's Tropical Studio

Talin Johnson (left) gives advice to art student Dorthy More during a recent art class at Talin's Tropical Studio.

Talin Johnson has been teaching children, and adults, to dig deep into their creative psyches all her professional life. Johnson is an art teacher at St. Mark’s School in Boynton Beach. She also owns her own art studio, where in her free time she – what else? – teaches art to eager students of all talent levels.

"Painting with Talin is not only fun and educational, but she makes it easy to learn and expand your abilities,” said Sandy Simon, a student at Talin’s Tropical Studio.

Johnson has introduced a new class aimed at children ages 5 to 12. Each class is $25 and includes brushes, acrylic paints, canvas, a sketching pad with pencils, and Johnson’s instruction.

For more information on the art classes call 561-276-3308.

Talin’s Tropical Studio is located at Harvey's on First, 102 NE First Ave., Delray Beach.

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November 11, 2008

Delray Beach schools honor veterans

Third-grade student Nicholas Siller dressed as Staff Sgt. William H. Thompson for Veterans Day. Thompson is now retired from the U.S. Air Force.

Delray Beach area schools hosted Veterans Day events today to celebrate the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.

At Banyan Creek Elementary School, 4243 Sabal Lakes Rd. in Delray Beach, third-grader Nicholas Siller dressed as Staff Sgt. William H. Thompson, now retired from the Air Force.

Just a few miles away, 4-year-old Zachary Wooster, a Unity School preschooler, saluted the flag during the national anthem. Wooster's late uncle served in Vietnam.

"He was so excited it was Veterans Day," said his mother, Mindy Wooster. "He loves singing ‘God Bless America’ and collects little Army trucks.”

Zachary’s classmates sang patriotic songs appropriate for Veterans Day.

His teacher, Liz O'Carroll, leads her students each morning in renditions of the national anthem and the Unity School Peace Prayer. She said certain occasions such as Veterans Day encourage storytelling, and it is always very special to honor those who have served the country.

Unity School is located at 101 NW 22nd St. in Delray Beach.

Preschool student Zachary Wooster salutes the U.S. flag this morning at a Veterans Day celebration at Unity School.

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New state representative thanks constituents

Kevin Rader addresses his District 78 constituents for the first time.


Newly elected District 78 Rep. Kevin Rader, who represents western areas of St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach counties, addressed the Alliance of Delray Residential Association Inc., thanking members for helping elect him to the Florida House of Representatives.

“I’m looking forward to a new district area in Boynton Beach we’re covering,” Rader said.

Rader said he may now hold a unique distinction: “I believe I’m the first Rebbetzin elected. My wife is a conservative rabbi in this area.”

Rader defeated two other Democrats to keep the District 78 seat blue. Richard Machek, D-Delray Beach, left the seat because of term limits.

The District 78 office is located in Suite 100, 7593 Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33437-6161. For more information, call 561-279-1633.

District 78.

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Veterans saluted in Liberty Inn ceremony

Retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Owen Gregory (left), 38, helps prepare the U.S. flag with Anwar Bowes, 19, a college student and Pathfinder Scout, as 10-year Army veteran Gustav Oberman looks on. Oberman, was presented with the American flag.

A dozen veterans over the age of 85 were honored today at Liberty Inn, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility located at 5858 Heritage Park Way in Delray Beach. The veterans served the United States in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard and Marines. They have more than 45 years combined experience in the military with most having served during World War II.

After “America the Beautiful” played on the loudspeakers at the event, Anthony Vergoglino, 85, paused to reminisce. “I was 19 years old when I volunteered for the Army,” he said. “I served in North Africa and Sicily. When I was 19, I met Gen. [George] Patton.”

Vergoglino, who served three years in the 1st Division of the 26th Infantry, was proud that more than 100 people turned out for the Veterans Day ceremony at Liberty Inn.

“This is just beautiful,” he said.

A Flag Color Guard was presented to the residents and veterans of Liberty Inn, and Gustav Oberman, a veteran who served 10 years in the Army, was given an American flag by the First Seventh Day Adventist Church of West Palm Beach Pathfinder Club.

Army veteran Robert Waters salutes before receiving a U.S. flag from retired Army Staff Sgt. Owen Gregory.

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Turkey Trot to aid needy families

The 22nd Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run & Health Walk on Saturday, Nov. 22, features a course certified by the USA Track and Field Association and computerized results for each participant, recorded in case a national record is set.
The event’s start and finish line is at Anchor Park, 340 S. Ocean Blvd. The course extends north on A1A to George Bush Boulevard. There, runners will turn back to Anchor Park. All proceeds will benefit the Keith Straghn Feed the Hungry Thanksgiving Drive for needy families of Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and Boca Raton.
Each participant in the Turkey Trot will receive a commemorative T-shirt and a ribbon. Trophies for the 5K run will be awarded to the winners of the overall male and female divisions, the first-, second- and third-place finishers in each of 15 age divisions and the first- and second-place finishers in the wheelchair division.
Entry fee for runners is $20 prior to race day, $25 on the day of the event. Entry fee for walkers is $15 prior to walk day and $20 on the day of the walk. Race registration starts at 6 a.m. on the day of the event.
“We will have a warm-up session between 7 and 7:30 a.m.," said Danielle Beardsley, marketing/special events coordinator for Delray Beach Parks & Recreation.

Register online at www.splitsecondtiming.com, or contact Beardsley at 561-243-7277 or at beardsleyd@mydelraybeach.com.


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November 10, 2008

Police seek suspects in stolen check scam

These two suspects cashed stolen checks totaling $3,700 in Delray Beach today.

Two suspects are wanted by the Delray Beach Police after cashing stolen checks obtained in a burglary.
“The checks were stolen during an auto burglary in Collier County and have been cashed all over the state of Florida,” said Jeffrey Messer, public information officer for the Delray Beach Police Department.
Stolen checks worth $3,700 were cashed at Regions Bank, located at Lake Ida Road and Congress Avenue in Delray Beach.
“We need to identify these subjects,” Messer said.
Anyone with information on these individuals is asked to contact Det. Gerardo Riccio at 561-243-7813 or call Crime Stoppers.

One of the suspects finishes the transaction this morning.

Then he smiles just before he recieves the money.

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Turnpike lane closed near Atlantic during nighttime hours

The Atlantic Avenue Turnpike interchange will be periodically closed for lane striping between mile posts 80-82.
One lane will be closed both northbound and southbound from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10, to Thursday, Nov. 13. A Tuesday night closure will also take affect beginning after 10 p.m.
The construction is part of widening of Florida’s Turnpike from four to six lanes between the Atlantic Avenue interchange and the Lantana toll plaza. The project also includes reconstruction of the Atlantic Avenue interchange. This project began in 2005. Scheduled completion is early 2009 and the cost is about $81 million.

For more information call Laila A. Haddad at 954-934-1280 or e-mail laila.haddad@dot.state.fl.us or at www.floridasturnpike.com

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Mayor to put on her pajamas for library reading event

Mayor Rita Ellis reads to children at last year's Literacy Initiative.

Delray Beach Mayor Rita Ellis will be reading “What a Wonderful World” by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele in the children’s section of the Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave. at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m. as part of the Delray Beach Mayor Rita Ellis’ 2008-09 Literacy Iniatitive. The book was selected to emphasize this year’s “Families Reading Together” Campaign.
The theme this year is a pajama party.
“I’ll be in my pajamas. I encourage everyone who attends, children and parents, to come in their pajamas,” Ellis said.
Each child that attends the event will receive a copy of “What a Wonderful World” signed by Ellis.
A craft activity and a skit about the book are also planned for the event.
Ellis holds the event close to her heart as a literacy advocate.
“I’m an avid reader. This is an effort to highlight the importance of literacy in the community,” Ellis’ said.
She made a proclamation to City Commissioners to make November "Families Reading Together Month” in a literacy effort to take place all month throughout the city.

For more information on the event call 561-266-0197.

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Man on a mission to create world's largest pop-up book

Roger Culbertson, a paper engineer, will be hosting a public pop-up book workshop on Nov. 13 at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave.

Roger Culbertson, a Lake Worth resident, is planning an event where residents are invited to assist him in creating the world’s largest pop-up book. Culbertson created “The Pop-Up Story of Delray Beach,” a hard-bound book with pop-ups about the city’s history.
Now, Culbertson plans to make that book into the world’s largest pop-up book, bigger than “Aesop’s Fables,” which won him the distinction in 2005.
Old School Square will host the special workshop with Culbertson on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Cornell Museum of Art & American Culture, 51 N. Swinton Ave. Cost is $3 for children and adults. Call 561-243-7922 or visit www.oldschool.org for more information.

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November 7, 2008

Plastic surgeon receives leadership award

Dr. Jacob Steiger received a leadership award this week.
A Delray Beach plastic surgeon has received the Holt Leadership Award from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Jacob Steiger of Delray Beach-based Steiger Facial Plastic Surgery received the news as he left surgery for the day.
Steiger was named at the AAO-HNS meeting in Chicago.
“It wasn’t expected,” he said.
He received the news by phone.
Steiger was recognized because of work he did with the national and state level divisions of the organization.
“This is important to me because leadership is hard work. It’s very nice to be recognized,” Steiger said.
He is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Medicine.


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Donate shoes to children in need this holiday season

"Share your Soles for Christmas Children's Shoe Drive" celebrates its fourth year.

At the Caring Kitchen, requests don’t always concern food. Some residents need clothes while others are in desperate need of footwear. For the fourth straight year, Dr. Elizabeth Reilly, podiatrist at Pineapple Podiatry, is having a campaign to give area children proper footwear.
“I started collecting donations of footwear after the three hurricanes we experienced in 2005. We would gather shoes for a period of time and then drive them out to Belle Glade and Lake Okeechobee communities where migrant workers were in need of proper footwear,” she said.
This year, Reilly realized the need for proper shoes at the Caring Kitchen, 196 NW Eighth Ave.
“It’s right in our own backyard,” she said. “Everyone knows times are tight. It’s not about what we can’t do, it’s about what we can do.”
The “Share Your Soles For Christmas” drive begins Nov. 12 and area residents are asked to donate children’s shoes of all sizes. Adult sizes are also appreciated. Shoes should be new or have light wear.
“Some adolescents wear adult sizes. So we’ll collect any shoes donated,” Reilly said.
Reilly and her staff have set up a white Christmas tree with shoe ornaments inside the waiting room at Pineapple Podiatry, 10 NE Second St. After hours, a “giving box” will be placed in front of the door at the office.
Dr. Reilly can be reached at 561-272-7171.

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Obama victory celebration to take place at City Limits

This Barack Obama flier was recently put up at the Cookbook Cafe, 100 W. Atlantic Ave.

A Barack Obama Victory Celebration will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 at City Limits Night Club, 19 NE Third Ave. Admission is $20.
According to Chloe Bedenbaugh, a former “Obama Fellow,” the event is a celebration for the volunteers and staffer who worked the campaign.
“It’s for the Obama volunteers. We’re going to have a DJ, and this is a great venue,” she said.
“We’re charging $20, that money covers rental of the venue. There will also be a cash bar.”
Bedenbaugh came to Florida a few months ago from Washington D.C. She headed a Barack Obama campaign office in downtown Delray Beach, and was instrumental in registering voters, canvassing neighborhoods and organization.
For more information call Chloe Bedenbaugh at 703-850-0051 or e-mail chloeforchange@aol.com


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Resident receives Rotary's "Service Above Self" award

Rotary District Governor-Elect Leo Phillips (right) shown with Service Above Self recipient Cliff Ripley.

The 12th annual Delray Beach Rotary Club “Service Above Self Award” will be awarded to Clifford Ripley, a longtime Delray Beach resident, and principal of Delray Beach’s Seacrest High School from 1965 to 1970.
The award will be given out at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 2 at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave.
Ripley will be given a plaque and be inducted into the “Walkway of Honor” located in the front of the Cornell Museum, also located at 51 N. Swinton Ave. Also, a $1,000 donation in Ripley’s name will be made to Old School Square by the Rotary Club.
Ripley has completed many endeavors with the School District of Palm Beach County School, different organizations in Delray Beach, and has served 15 years on the Bethesda Hospital Foundation Board in Boynton Beach, in which Ripley founded the employees’ childhood center. Today, the center is known as “The Clifford and Madeline Ripley Early Childhood Center.”

For more information, Sally Dye at 561-649-1658 or e-mail sallydye1@yahoo.com

The Delray Beach Rotary Club meets at noon every Tuesday at
Ellie's 50's Diner Banquet Room, 2410 N. Federal Highway, in
Delray Beach. For more information call 561-276-1570


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November 6, 2008

Resident wants to see PBSO substation at former library site

The old library site at Cumberland Avenue has been empty since July 11.

Delray Beach resident Mort Mazor said he hopes the old library site in West Delray building can be used for a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation.
The area currently sits desolate as Palm Beach County Commissioners view plans of what to do with the site.
A new library at 14350 Hagen Ranch Road replaced the one on Cumberland Avenue.
“We’re asking community leaders, the county, and the sheriff’s office what will come of this site. We’ll just have to wait and see. We certainly could use a sheriff’s Sub-Station at that location,” Mazor said.


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Acoustic Music Showcase planned for Saturday at Coffee District

Renda Writer is planning a "Acoustic Music Showcase" this Saturday night at Coffee District at 325 NE Second Ave. in Delray Beach.
The evening will be hosted by Renda Writer, and feature acoustic music performances by Eric Parsons, Stefanie Smerkers and Mike Mineo. Renda Writer will also perform spoken word poetry.
“It’s free admission all night long. I have put together several Acoustic Showcases like this in the past, and they have always gone over very well. Each time I do it, I try to enlist a new line up of performers, and the three artists that comprise this Saturday's line up are three of the area's most talented, ambitious and engaging singer/songwriters,” Writer said.
Writer also hosts an Open Mic Tuesdays free admission event at The Kevro Art Bar, 166 SE Second Ave.; Open Mic Thursdays at Le Pavillion with a $5 cover starting at 8:30 p.m. at 486 NE 167th St. in North Miami; and Open Mic Fridays with free admission at Mega Bite Cyber Cafe, 1754 S. Young Circle in Hollywood.

For more information call The Coffee District at 561-455-0541.

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Turnpike official thanks residents for patience regarding construction

Entrance to the Atlantic Avenue Florida's Turnpike Interchange with minor construction ongoing.

Laila A. Haddad, spokeswoman for Florida's Turnpike Enterprise, issued a “thank you” in information released Thursday morning to Delray Beach residents.
“Thank you for putting up with the construction on Atlantic Avenue. I’ve been around construction a long time and know it’s not pretty,” she said.
Haddad’s office has put together a recent campaign to inform residents of developments concerning Florida’s Turnpike within their communities.
She also began to give residents details of Florida Turnpike’s widening project \from Sawgrass Expressway to Atlantic Avenue.
“This is under study. In February there will be a public meeting concerning the construction,” Haddad said.
She also said that “right now Palm Beach County is quiet” in terms of Turnpike construction.
“We’ve obtained vacant land to construct an interchange to service southbound traffic at the southwest corner of Lake Worth Road.
“That project is still a couple of years off,” Haddad said. “Right now I don’t see a lot of incontinences for the motorists.”
For more information contact Laila A. Haddad at 954-934-1280 or visit www.floridasturnpike.com

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November 5, 2008

Delray communities to discuss crime at meeting

The Alliance of Delray Residential Associations will be having a security meeting at the Vizcaya Clubhouse, 15150 Michelangelo Blvd., at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21.
“Presidents of the communities are welcome, and two representatives from their community are asked to come as security representatives,” said Mort Mazor, the Alliance's public relations coordinator.
The Alliance of Delray Residential Associations and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office are working together to inform residents of local crime dangers. The Alliance represents 62 residential communities in Delray Beach.
“We’re going to be linking the communities through a Web site, provide information on what to do with issues with Alzheimer’s patients, and dealing with conflict and neighbor disputes. Those who attend will also learn about self-protection and the processing of DNA,” Mazor said.
This is the second in a series of community security meetings planned between PBSO and the Alliance. A question-and-answer period will follow.

For more information call the Alliance at 561- 495-9670.

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Aaronson addresses residents morning after election

Burt Aaronson acknowledges the Alliance of Delray Residential Association with a victory speech.

Palm Beach County Commissioner Burt Aronson celebrated his election win Wednesday morning at the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations, an association that represents 62 residential communities in Delray Beach.
“Well, I only have four more years due to term limits. I plan to do the best job possible,” he said.
The Alliance of Delray Residential Associations meets the first Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m. at 16700 Jog Road in Delray Beach.
Alliance of Delray Residential Associations President Robert Schulbaum led the praise for Aaronson prompting loud applause from residents.
“We’ve enjoyed working from you and look forward to four more years,” Schulbaum said.
Aaronson represents District 5 as a Palm Beach County Commissioner.

For more information call Aaronson at 561-355-2205 or 877-930-2205.


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Sach speaks to residents after election win

Maria Sachs speaks for the first time since winning re-election.

Democrat Maria Sachs celebrated her District 86 win over John Sottilare with an appearance at the Alliance of Delray Residential Association monthly meeting at 16700 Jog Road.
“It’s like the sun came up and I stayed in bed for a few minutes and let it all sink in. Regardless of who you vote for it’s a historic day,” Sachs said.
She shook hands, introduced her legislative aides and made a quick speech.
“I won an election last night and I thank you very much. This is my first appearance as you new state representative for the second term,” Sachs said.

For more information on Maria Sachs call her office at 561-266-6645 or e-mail at maria.sachs@myfloridahouse.gov. Sachs office is located at 203 NE First Ave. in Delray Beach.

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Mayor to put on a pajama party in effort to promote reading

The Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave. plans to have its third annual Pajama Party to support Mayor Rita Ellis’ 2008-09 Literacy Initiative.
The Pajama Party will begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17 in the first-floor children’s section of the library.
Ellis will be in her pajamas to welcome guests. She plans to read “What a Wonderful World” by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele. The book was selected to emphasize the “Families Reading Together” campaign.
Each child in attendance will receive a free copy of the book signed by the mayor. A craft activity and special skit about the book will also take place at the event. Parents, and children will also work together to create the border (handprints) for the next World’s Largest Pop Up Book by local author Roger Culbertson.
“An avid reader, Mayor Rita Ellis is leading Delray’s efforts to highlight the importance of literacy in the community. Mayor Ellis is one of a dozen mayors in Palm Beach County who is launching coordinated literacy initiatives,” said the city's Education Coordinator Janet Meeks.
Ellis’ first literacy effort was a proclamation from the City Commission declaring November as “Families Reading Together Month.”
For more information on the programs offered by the Delray Beach Public Library’s Children’s Department call 561-266-0197.

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November 4, 2008

Wait times are short in West Delray

The Hagen Ranch Road Library polling site line was clear at 11 a.m. today.

Election Day voting precincts in Delray Beach experienced an early 7 a.m. rush, but since then voting has been minimal.
At the Hagen Ranch Road Library voting precinct at 14350 Hagen Ranch Road, the same voting line that experienced two-hour wait times during early voting before Nov. 2, had a one-person wait at 11 a.m.
At 188 S. Swinton Ave. there was no wait at 2 p.m.
The Delray Beach Community Center, 50 NW First Ave., had a line out the door at 7 a.m. but that subsided.
“I got there at 7 a.m. It took me about 30 minutes total. I met some nice people in line,” longtime Delray Beach resident Virginia Snyder, 88, said.
Voting lines around Delray Beach were vacant by lunchtime.

In West Delray, there was a one-person wait at 11 a.m.

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Brothers volunteer to support Hasner campaign

Shannon Ludlow (seated), Kevin Ludlow (left) and Kevin Rao campaign for Adam Hasner in Delray Beach.

The Ludlow brothers have been at the voting precinct at 188 S. Swinton Ave. since 7 a.m. Shannon, 30, and Kevin, 28, both Boynton Beach residents, plan to campaign for Adam Hasner until 7 p.m. tonight. Adam Hasner is a state representative vying for re-election to the Florida House District 87.
“I believe in his message of helping people with homeowners insurance,” Shannon Ludlow said.
The Ludlows are just a few of 100 volunteers working with the Adam Hasner campaign.
Kevin Rao, 39, a Deerfield Beach resident, joined the Ludlow brothers at 1 p.m. with his sign in hand. Rao, a Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue firefighter and member of Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County Local 2928, said Hasner’s views on public safety made him want to come out and support with volunteerism on Election Day.
“We’ve been doing a lot of work with Adam Hasner. He’s very supportive of Public Safety,” Rao said.


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Campaign office sends flurry of volunteers out into the community

Robert Feldman teaches canvassing etiquette at the Barack Obama office in Delray Beach.

Delray Beach resident Robert Feldman is a language professor by trade. On Tuesday, Feldman spoke “Election Day Language” for anyone interested in canvassing door-to-door for the Barack Obama campaign office at 14537 S. Military Trail in Delray Beach.
John McCain, does not staff an office in Palm Beach County, however the McCain Campaign said previous to Election Day it had McCain volunteers campaigning as well.
Feldman taught Obama campaign volunteers how to canvass the neighborhoods in Delray Beach.
“Everyone gets a packet. Inside that packet is the addresses and information about residents who visited the Obama Web site, shown up at the office or shown interest,” Feldman said.
“You say, 'Hi my name is… and give them information. If they need a ride to the precinct, we have over 200 drivers ready to go from the Delray Beach office. We also help give residents information if there voting precincts have changed. If they already voted then we’re done.”
Palm Beach County Obama spokesperson Bobby Gravitz says they’ll be sending people out to canvas door-to-door until 6:55 p.m.
"We’re targeting Obama supporters,” Gravitz said.
“But, we’ll assist anyone with a ride to the polls regardless of party affiliation,” Feldman said. “Seventy-five of us hit the streets this morning… This is the bottom of the ninth and the bases are loaded!”


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Boynton resident makes his own support sign at campaign office

Jean Philippe Labbe, a Boynton Beach resident, makes a campaign sign at the Obama campaign office in Delray Beach.

Jean Philippe Labbe, a Boynton Beach resident, came to the Barack Obama office early Election Day morning with the purpose of handcrafting a homemade Barack Obama sign.

He said he came to the office to construct the sign.

“I came here used some tape… taped Obama’s face on one side and a Obama/Biden campaign sign on the other,” Labbe said.

Ten minutes later Labbe was ready to hit the streets with sign in hand.

“I’m going to downtown Delray Beach,” he said.

“I’m going to do my own campaigning down Atlantic Avenue.”

Jean Philippe Labbe, a Boynton Beach resident, gets serious with the staples on his Obama campaign sign.

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Wexler visits Obama's Delray campaign headquarters

Robert Wexler visits Obama's office in Delray Beach.

Congressman Robert Wexler traveled to show his support of Barack Obama late this morning at the Barack Obama campaign office located at 14537 S. Military Trail in Delray Beach. Wexler, representing Florida’s 19th Congressional District, shook hands, posed for pictures, and told residents what he has heard on Election Day.
“Everything is going well,” Wexler said.
Mohammad Karin, 50, and a Delray Beach resident, asked Wexler for a photo.
“I wanted to shake Mr. Wexler’s hand. This man is great,” Karin said.

Congressman Robert Wexler and Delray Beach resident Mohammad Karin, 50, pose for a photo at the Obama Campaign Office.

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Delray wants architect to take down his tree house

Frank McKinney (far left) watches as City Commissioners look at his tree house on a projected screen.

Delray Beach resident Frank McKinney is in a heated battle with city officials over a tree house he built at 610 N. Ocean Blvd. McKinney, a world renowned architect, owns the former residence of cartoonist Fontaine Fox. The residence, built in 1926, is a historic home, and when McKinney built a treehouse on the property in 2002, city officials immediately denied a Certificate of Appropriateness for an accessory structure.
Since 2002, McKinney has been in a legal battle over the tree house. City Commissioners denied an appeal of the Historic Preservation Board decision at last night’s commission meeting. Commissioners voted unanimously 5-0 against it.
“That tree house is not going anywhere,” McKinney said as he left the commission chambers.
McKinney’s lawyer participated in a quasi-Judicial hearing with Paul Dorling, the city's director of Planning and Zoning. Dorling asked City of Miami Preservation Officer Ellen Uguccioni to make a plea to the commission to have the tree house removed. Commissioners are concerned with the height of the tree house, and the fact that it was built without proper permits.
“This in your face… It’s such a focal point and so overwhelming in terms of height,” Uguccioni told commissioners before the vote.


Frank McKinney's tree house at 610 N. Ocean Blvd.

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November 3, 2008

Alliance meeting to focus on traffic in West Delray

The Alliance of Delray Residential Associations, Inc. will have a meeting on Wednesday Nov. 5 focused on traffic in West Delray Beach. Guest speakers include Dan Weisberg, public engineer director for the Traffic Division of the Palm Beach County Engineering and Public Works Department, and Laila A. Haddad, public information officer of Florida's Turnpike Enterprise.

The event, “Learn What Government Regulators Decided: Boys Market, Intersection Traffic Controls, and Florida's Turnpike,” is free to everyone and is sponsored by the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations Inc., representing 62 residential communities in West Delray Beach.

Also status reports from county administrators, elected officials and current information vital to the community will be shared.

Doors open for the meeting at 9 a.m. with free coffee, tea and bagels. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, in Delray Beach.

For more information call 561-495-9670 or visit www.allianceofdelray.com

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Teen Center, Veterans Park center closed on Election Day

The Delray Beach Parks and Recreation Department plans to close the "505" Teen Center and Veterans Park on Election Day. Both venues will be used as election polling precincts in the general election. The skate park at “505” Teen Center will also be closed for the entire day.
The “505” Teen Center will reopen for normal business hours at Wednesday, Nov. 5 and Veterans Park will reopen at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
“505” Teen Center is located at 505 SE Fifth Ave. and Veterans Park is at 802 NE First St.

For information, call the Teen Center at 561-243-7158 or Veterans Park at 561-243-7350.

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Pompey Park offers free computer classes

Pompey Park is offering computer classes for all ages interested in sharpening computer skills needed in today’s world. Pompey Park, 1101 NW Second St., will provide an instructor that will allow computer students to work at his or her level. According to Recreation Supervisor Rhonda Williams-Turner, the instructor will identify areas of needed help to focus on with each student.
Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, computer fundamentals, e-mail, resume and job search will be studied at the computer classes. Classes, which are free, are from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and open to everyone. Walk-ins are welcome.

For information, please contact Rhonda Williams-Turner at 561-243-7356.

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About This Blog

Dave DiPinoDave DiPino
David DiPino joined Forum Publishing Group in August 2006. As a reporter for the Delray Forum, David covers community news and writes a dining column twice a month that focuses on restaurants in South Palm Beach County.

He also is one of the writers of the twice-monthly Hometown Downtown column that looks at events, celebrations, and organizations in Delray and Boynton Beach. He freelances for the Sun-Sentinel during high school football and basketball seasons.

David spent 12 years working in the restaurant industry, and did just about every job in the back of the house, including line cook, sous chef, and dessert chef. A Florida native who lives in Jupiter, he studied Multimedia Journalism at Florida Atlantic University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree. David enjoys playing the guitar, golf, boating and snorkeling during his free time.

Contact him at ddipino@gmail.com or 954-621-5000.

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